Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee in the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial race, has announced the formation of an Asian American Coalition as part of her campaign outreach strategy. The coalition will be chaired by Srilekha Palle, a community leader and current Chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

The announcement, made by the Sears campaign, is part of a broader effort to engage diverse communities across the Commonwealth. The Asian American Coalition joins other groups such as “Women for Winsome,” and “Farmers for Winsome,” with more expected in the coming weeks.

“In a time when identity is often reduced to labels, the Asian American Coalition is proud to stand as a community of builders,” said Palle. “We are committed to helping Winsome win through our shared sense of purpose, grounded in family, opportunity, and the values that bring us together as Virginians and conservatives.”

Senior Republican elected officials welcomed the initiative in their statements to South Asian Herald.

Fairfax GOP Chair Katie Gorka welcomed the appointment, noting that Asian Americans are “a powerful part of what makes Virginia thrive—families rooted in hard work, opportunity, and conservative values.”

“By creating this coalition, with Srilekha Palle’s proven leadership, Winsome Sears shows the GOP’s commitment to partnering with Asian Americans.”

Former Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, the first Indian American to hold that office in Ohio’s history, praised the initiative.

“As the first Indian-American State Senator in Ohio history, I know firsthand how critical it is to empower diverse conservative leadership. I applaud Dr. Srilekha Palle for chairing the Asian Coalition for Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears — a bold, principled leader who understands that the strength of Virginia, and of America, lies in our shared values of faith, family, and freedom,” he said. 

Antani added that the Republican Party is growing stronger by embracing Asian American voices that value liberty and opportunity for all.

RNC National Committeewoman for Virginia, Patti Lyman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Republican policies “work for everyone,” and that Asian American communities often exemplify how to best seize the promise of America.

“We must elect our entire Republican ticket to safeguard the prosperity we enjoy in Virginia, and my friend Srilekha Palle’s gift for inspiring and mobilizing Asian friends will be central to this victory,” Lyman said.

Founder and President of the American Minority Engagement Network, Anh Tu Do, also expressed strong support for the coalition and Sears’ leadership.

“Asian Americans are proud to stand with Lieutenant Governor Sears, whose commitment to pro-business policies, family and education rights along with a strong rule of law that resonates deeply with our community values,” he said. “The Lieutenant Governor’s leadership offers a bold and unifying vision, and this coalition marks a powerful step forward in amplifying the voices of Asian Americans across Virginia.”

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